2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from the creators of Apex Legends to direct the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the anticipated third-person action-packed title known as Project Ethos.
Management Transition Follows Mixed Feedback
Brinkman assumes the role of studio head at 31st Union following the dismissal of previous head the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was removed from his post due to the game's underwhelming unveiling last autumn.
Recently, 2K president David Ismailer notified employees about this strategic move through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the need for a distinct vision.
Ismailer stated that the developers is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to address gamer demands.
A Pattern of Key Acquisitions
The news follows a comparable step taken by 2K Games in the summer, when they brought on Rod Fergusson from the Diablo team to contribute to the BioShock studio Cloud Chamber.
Below is the complete message from Ismailer's announcement:
Dear Team—
I know you all just finished your meeting - I hope you’re as enthusiastic as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a update, I mentioned the following: “I believe in this team. You all are some of the most motivated and talented designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to continue.”
Through your commitment and adaptability, particularly over the past twelve months, you consistently demonstrate that.
The player input from last fall’s Project ETHOS demo was revealing. It affirmed the appeal of a action-packed game but told us we still had improvements to make. It highlighted the need for a more distinct identity.
It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve advanced. You took the feedback to mind and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s poised to fulfill its potential to our audience.
The belief in this project strengthens every day. To further the remarkable advancement you’ve made, It is a pleasure to welcome Ben Brinkman as the incoming Director of the team. Following several months of talks, Ben officially joins us on next week.
His guidance and experience in the competitive gaming genre is considerable, having dedicated the past decade and a half creating and overseeing some of the most well-known titles in the industry, for example Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.
Please join me in receiving him next week. We are all eager to persist witnessing the development of the game in the weeks to follow.
The President
Experience of the Incoming Leader
The appointee currently holds the role of executive producer and production lead at Respawn Entertainment for their flagship title. Brinkman earlier was employed at Treyarch and Activision in various production roles on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had periods at 2K and Electronic Arts.
Game Details and Concept
The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a early access event. At the time, the developers presented the title as a "no-cost, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an innovative step forward on the style."
"Create your ideal gameplay session—or face defeat—in this engaging over-the-shoulder adventure! Customize your character in real-time to match your preferred approach," the description states. "Challenge the competition with unique powers, challenges, and obstacles that evolve every round. Will you withdraw carefully with your valuable rewards? Alternatively aim high, gamble everything, and pray your group can achieve the highest spot? The choice is in your hands."
The game has not yet received an confirmed launch window or platforms, but enthusiasts can anticipate further news as production progresses.
